NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Wike approves N280.3 million for scholarships to 13,946 indigent students – Secretary

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By Philip Yatai 

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has approved N280.3 million for the payment of scholarships to 13,946 indigent students at all levels of education in the FCT.

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCT Administration disclosed this on Thursday in Gwagwalada, during the inauguration of the accelerated rehabilitation of 19 public schools across FCT.

The inauguration took place at the School of the Gifted, Gwagwalada in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.

Hayyo explained that the amount was for both new and existing indigent beneficiaries in different schools and at different levels of learning.

This, according to him, “is to ensure that no child is left behind”.

He added that besides scholarships and public schools’ rehabilitation, the minister had equally resuscitated the school sports festival, abandoned 25 years back.

On the school rehabilitation, the mandate secretary said that the goal was to enhance the learning environment and promote educational excellence.

He added that the move was also to ensure that students and teachers have access to quality facilities needed for quality education delivery.

According to him, the measures are evidence of the minister’s commitment to the total development of the future leaders.

“This is a testament to the minister’s dedication to providing an environment that is conducive to learning; one that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of young ones.

“It is about laying a foundation for a brighter future for our children,” Hayyo said.

He added: “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that every child in the FCT has access to quality education; to a safe and stimulating learning environment, where they can grow, thrive and transform into the leaders of tomorrow.”

“Let us, therefore, reflect on the importance of our mission; let us be inspired by the potential impact of our collective efforts.

“Let us look forward to the successful completion of the project as we continue to work hand in hand towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the federal capital territory”. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By-election: Lagos REC lauds political gladiators in Surulere

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By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has commended political gladiators in Surulere Federal Constituency I for peaceful conduct in the ongoing by-election in the constituency.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos state, Prof. Ayobami Salami, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at INEC office in Surulere Local Government that the politicians had conducted themselves creditably well.

NAN reports that Surulere Constituency I has personalities like former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Femi Gbajabiamila, a former speaker, House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu;  Mr Desmond Elliot, lawmaker and Nollywood Icon,  representing the constituency at the State  House of Assembly.

According to  the REC,  there has not been any record of violence, praying not to record any till the end of the exercise.

“The process has been very smooth and peaceful and everybody seems to be happy with it and we have no negative complaint so far.

“So far, I must say that the political gladiators in Surulere Federal Constituency I have conducted themselves creditably well and I have seen the spirit of sportsmanship.

“I just pray that they carry on with this spirit till the end of the process even after the results have been announced,” the INEC boss said.

He assured voters that only the votes cast would determine the winner of the poll.

“What I am assuring the people in this constituency is that their votes will count and the result will be the reflection of their wish.

“I am assuring everybody that the results will be the true reflection of the wish of the voters,” he said.

On voters apathy, Salami, who noted that he had gone round to monitor the situation, said that he equally noticed the same.

He, however, said that the situation was not unusual.

“That is a normal pattern in a  by-election or rerun election, the turnout is  usually lower than that of the general elections.

“We should not have the same expectations on the turnout that we had in the general elections. That is the usual pattern.

“The way forward is continuous voter education and mobilisation of the people which should be the joint efforts of all the stakeholders not just INEC,” Salami said.

NAN reports that 12 candidates of different political parties are contesting in the election.

The seat became vacant due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

 

 

By-election: APC candidate votes, decries voter apathy in Taraba

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By Gabriel Yough
Mr Aminu Malle, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency, has decried the low voter turnout for the Saturday by-election.
Malle, who cast his vote at Waziri Malle polling unit in Jalingo, blamed the low turnout on lack of adequate publicity by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged INEC to always strive to give massive publicity to such elections “to  enable people participate actively”.
Malle expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious at the end of the day given his track record of achievements as a former member of the House of Representatives.
Alhaji Jauro Hassan, the Taraba Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who also voted at the unit, commended INEC and security personnel for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
The Chairman, who also expressed concern over very low turnout of voters, said that the  candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) would emerge victorious at the end of the day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the seat became vacant following the death of Alhaji Ismaila Maihanci shortly after winning the seat in February 2023.
Maihanchi had contested the seat on the platform of the PDP. (NAN)
YGA/ETS
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INEC sues for peace among Kogi politicians for successful, credible poll

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By Thompson Yamput

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has begged politicians in Kogi to give peace a chance for a peaceful, successful and credible governorship election on Nov. 11.

The INEC made the appeal during a one-day stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Yakubu, who was represented by the National Commissioner supervising, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, Prof. Sani Adam, said getting a leader for the state was very important toward its progress.

“Therefore, you must play to the rules of the game as mature and good politicians that you are, to help us conduct a peaceful, successful and credible election come Nov. 11.

“We, in INEC, are fully ready for the conduct of the governorship election, but we need your cooperation and support by being obedient to the rules and regulations guiding elections in the country.

“President Bola Tinubu is keenly behind us to see that all go well in the off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states come Saturday, Nov. 11.

“It’s our believe that there a sharp difference to the past. Indeed, with your cooperation and support, the best candidate will emerge victorious since God is the one that gives power,” he said.

The INEC boss also called on the electorate to come out en masse and vote as the security operatives have given the commission all assurances of adequate security for peaceful conduct of the election.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, also assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election.

Onuoha warned troublemakers’ especially political thugs, not to try anything funny as regard the election as “security operatives are battle ready to deal with them”.

“In election, you don’t use matches and guns to force people to give you votes. Such people will meet the wrath of the law.

“What we want in Kogi is a peaceful and successful election. Therefore, politicians must play according to the rules of the game or be dealt with.

“The traditional rulers should help us talk to their subjects to maintain peace throughout the election period because it will come and go and we will all remain as residents,” said the police chief.

On his part, the running mate to SDP Governorship Candidate, Mr Sam Ranti-Abenemi, complained about the action of some security personnel towards some stakeholders of the party and called for caution not to give wrong signal to the residents.

Ranti-Abenemi called for adequate security and fairness to all residents towards a peaceful, credible and successful conduct of the election in Kogi on Nov. 11. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu

Report claiming 94% contested posts await tribunal incorrect – INEC

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described media report that 94 per cent all the elective positions contested in 2023 general elections are being contested at the tribunal as incorrect.

 

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

 

Olumekun said that the attention of the commission had been drawn to a front page report by a newspaper in its Wednesday edition titled: “INEC’s credibility sinks as 94% contested posts await tribunal.”

 

He said that the commission would have ignored the report if it did not emanate from one of our country’s flagship and reputable newspapers.

 

He said that, however, the report under reference contained inaccurate figures, mix-up of pre-election and post-election cases.

 

He added that the report skewed comparative perspective and a headline that suggests that election petitions draw from the action or inaction of INEC.

 

Olumekun said that basic fact check on the information regularly published by INEC and available on its website would have shown that in 2023, elections were not conducted in 1,280 constituencies, including 782 state assembly seats.

 

“On the contrary, elections were conducted in 1,491 constituencies across the country made up of 1 Presidential, 28 Governorship, 109 Senatorial, 360 House of Representatives and 993 State Assembly constituencies.

 

“Similarly, the claim that State Assembly elections were held in only 28 States of the country is made on the lazy assumption that no such elections were held in the eight States of the federation where executive elections are held off-cycle.

 

“As every attentive Nigerian knows, the tenure of legislators is tied to the legislative houses which is a fixed term of four years from the date the Assembly is inaugurated unlike the term of office of the executive which begins from the date they take the oath of office, “ he said.

 

Olumekun also faulted the report blaming the pre-election cases arising from the conduct of primary elections by political parties on INEC.

 

He said those were intra-party cases involving party members in which they joined INEC and seek for reliefs binding on it, even as INEC does not conduct primaries for political parties.

 

“Thirdly, in pursuit of their right under the law, many litigants in Nigeria unfortunately file election petitions over the most improbable cases and later withdraw them or they are dismissed by the tribunals.

 

“If the report had taken time to analyse the outcome of the cases decided so far by the tribunals, it would have discovered that out of 1,196 petitions, 712 were dismissed and 179 withdrawn.

 

“This means that in 891 cases (74.4 per cent), the tribunals found no merit in the petitions and affirmed the result of the elections conducted by INEC.

 

“It is surprising how the mere filing of petitions constitute a blot on the integrity of the recent elections conducted by INEC when in fact they constitute an integral part of the democratic process, “ Olumekun said.

 

He added that the said report also analysed the total number of petitions as if they were filed against the outcome of the elections in 94 per cent of all the elective positions without considering details of the cases.

 

Olumekun said that multiple petitions were filed by candidates and political parties as petitioners in a single constituency.

 

“For example, in one state in the south south geopolitical zone of the country, eight petitions were filed challenging the governorship election out of which seven were dismissed and one withdrawn.

 

“Therefore, the number of election petitions filed in respect of all elective offices will certainly outnumber the total number of constituencies/elective offices.

 

“To spread them across the constituencies and proceed to calculate the percentage is to count some constituencies several times which is methodologically problematic and statistically illogical,” he said.

 

He added that it was also pertinent to note that the grounds for challenging the outcome of an election as provided in Section 134 of the Electoral Act, 2022 were not limited to the conduct of election by the commission.

 

Olumekun said that an election might be questioned on the ground that the winner of the election was not qualified to contest the election by virtue of his academic qualifications, age etc.

 

He said that many of the petitioners did not challenge the conduct of the elections by INEC but the eligibility of candidates or their nomination by political parties.

 

He added that under the law, INEC has no power to screen candidates, as only the courts can disqualify candidates.

 

“Six, a comparative analysis would have addressed the deliberate effort in the report to portray the 2023 General Election as regressive on account of litigation without empirical evidence.

 

“Over the last three electoral cycles, the number of election petitions may be rising but not the number of upturned elections. In 2015, 663 cases were filed at the tribunals, 87 (13.1 per cent) were nullified and the commission ordered to conduct re-run in some polling units or entire constituencies.

 

“In 2019, 807 petitions were filed but elections were only re-run in 30 (3.71per cent) consituencies (three Senatorial Districts, 13 Federal Constituencies and 14 State Constituencies).

 

“While the 2023 post-election litigations are ongoing, all five petitions filed in respect of the Presidential election were dismissed while three are pending on appeal,” he said

 

Olumekun said that as at Monday Oct 16, out of 82 governorship election petitions, 72 (87.8 per cent) were either dismissed or withdrawn by the petitioners.

 

“For senatorial elections, 146 petitions were filed out of which 100 (68.5per cent) were dismissed or withdrawn.

 

“For the House of Representatives, 413 petitions were filed out of which 309 (74.81 per cent) were dismissed or withdrawn while for State Houses of Assembly, 550 petitions were filed out of which 468 (82.4 per cent) were dismissed or withdrawn,” he said.

 

Olumekun said it was inappropriate to solely assess the credibility of INEC or the conduct of the 2023 General Election on the number of petitions filed by litigants who, in any case, have the right to do so under the law.

 

“While we wish to restate our continuing partnership with the media, it is prudent to state that the pen should be used to strengthen rather than impugn the integrity of public institutions particularly where basic statistics demand that we should be circumspect, “ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PWDs appeal to C’ River Govt to conduct LG polls

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By Christian Njoku

Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), under the auspices of TAF Africa, an NGO,  has appealed to the Government of Cross River to fix a date for Local Government Election in the state.

 

This was disclosed by Dr. Jake Epelle, Convener, TAF Africa, on Saturday in Calabar during a workshop to train leaders of various disability groups on skillful and impactful advocacy to build their capacities.

 

Epelle said that it was time for the present administration in Cross River to put out a date and time for the LG polls.

 

He said that the election would help Gov. Bassey Otu in his roadmap to building a virile state.

 

“We chose Cross River because we want to support the state through our project to have inclusive election, governance and Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs) that will champion the cause of disability inclusion in its entirety.

 

“The opportunities that will come out of this effort will go to PWDs with equity, because I can assure you that if PWDs are not united, we will get nothing  In fact, some politicians will take advantage of the crisis and do nothing for us.

 

“Although TAF Africa has limited resources, with our effective management and goodwill, we can get a lot of things done as it concerns equipment for PWDs for the LG polls in the state,” he said.

 

Epelle maintained that they wanted Cross River to be the first state to have a concrete and inclusive framework that would drive governance from the grassroot.

 

On his part, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the Government of Cross River said he was willing to link PWDs to the state government for them to get easy access.

 

Owan-Enoh noted that disability does not mean lack of ability because for every element of disability, there is so much potential and ability behind it.

 

“I have offered to be an ambassador for the PWDs in Cross River, to speak for them and help them get what they deserve.

 

“PWDs should come out of their shells, forget about their conditions and identify their potential like every other humans and contribute their best for the development of the society.

 

Similarly, Prof. Mike Oshie, Chairman Cross River Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) said disability does not mean lack of capacity,  adding that many PWDs in the commission had delivered when given opportunities.

 

“We have PWDs as staff in the commission and they participate during the elections.  For the equipment needed for them, we will work with TAF Africa to help us in that area.

 

“The commission already has an electoral guideline but with this new development I have sent it to PWDs to review for us to adopt for a better LG poll,” he noted.

 

 

 

Some of the PWDs who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) said the workshop was enriching and would help them push better towards inclusion and integration of PWDs in the society.

 

 

They said apart from learning to live as contributors in the society and not like liabilities, they had learnt to engage in diplomatic advocacy to achieve their aims instead of resorting to violence.

 

 

NAN reports that TAF Africa, formerly The Albino Foundation is an umbrella body of PWDs at the national and international level for advocacy through programme designs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius

2023 elections: Set aside differences, move forward- Gambari

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By George Odok

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has tasked Nigerians to set aside their differences of the just concluded general elections and chart a way forward for nation building.

Gambari said this on Thursday in Calabar while delivering the 35th convocation lecture of the University of Calabar.

The topic of the lecture was: “The Leadership and Followership Question in Nigeria: Imperatives of an Ethical Re-Orientation”.

He said that the 2023 polls have been conducted and winners have emerged, adding that Nigerians should join hands in building a better country.

According to him, the convocation lecture was taking place at a time when the country was going through a transition that will culminate into the inauguration of a new leadership on May 29.

He noted that as the inevitable work of national healing, reconciliation and rebuilding inevitably begins, the convocation lecture offers us all an excellent opportunity towards nation building.

Gambari said that it was time for Nigerians to collectively have an introspect in order to carry on the work of national advancement with a renewed vigour and a shared commitment.

“Our journey of nationhood and statehood began in earnest at independence in 1960 amidst high hopes that, as the biggest concentration of people of African descent, we had a manifest destiny to lead Global Africa on its journey of rebirth and transformation.

“Our hopes were bolstered by a number of other factors that were at play. These included the rich resource endowments with which we were and are still blessed, and the giants of political leaders who worked to usher the country to independence.

“These political leaders were remarkable as much for their vision and commitment to national development and progress as for the integrity and sense of responsibility with which they conducted public affairs.

“The high hopes of that led to independence and early post-colonial years gradually began to wane amidst rising acrimony, dissension and discord among the leaders of the First Republic,” he said.

He noted that at a time Nigeria was locked into a cycle of ethno-regional recriminations, inter-religious suspicions and generalised instability.

“I have never by any stretch of the imagination subscribed to the pessimistic school of commentators who exaggerate the problems of our country and downplay its successes as a vocation.

“However, few are the Nigerians who will fail to acknowledge that from a promising start, we have lived through a prolonged season where the country has, overall, not been able to live up to the promise of its founding ideals.

“It is partly in recognition of the underperformance that came to characterise governance and development in Nigeria that such developments as military incursions into the governance arena began to be witnessed, those interventions being presented as necessary “corrective” actions.

“Ironically, those interventions became part and parcel of a spiral of instability that only ended in 1999 with the birth of the Nigerian Fourth Republic.

“While it lasted as a norm in the administration of national affairs, the military in government experimented with various social engineering initiatives designed, among others, to curb corruption in high public office, wastefulness and indolence among government officials, and loss of the national moral compass,” he said.

He maintained that the leadership that leaves a lasting imprint on society is one which is anchored on the humility before the followership and an exemplary ethical compass.

He added that followership that succeeds in nurturing and throwing up quality leadership is one that is engaged in public affairs with an overriding spirit of what is best for all.

The Chief of Staff urged leaders to enlarge the circle that unites the country and use its natural resources to make it great.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

 

INEC presents Certificates of Return to NASS members-elect after supplementary elections

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

INEC on Wednesday in Abuja presented Certificates of Return to National Assembly members-elect of the April 18 supplementary elections.

Some of the lawmakers-elect commended INEC for a job well done and described their successes as victory for democracy.

Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa (APC), member-elect for Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State, described his victory as exceptional.

Doguwa said he had gone through a lot of elections since 1992, but that of 2023 was exceptional.

“We went through a lot of predicaments; name calling and a lot of unusual things; but putting all things together, I want to say that we are grateful.

“I am grateful to our people who once again gave me the mandate to continue to represent them in the business of legislation at the National Assembly,’’ he said.

Doguwa said that he believed INEC secured a pass mark in the 2023 general elections, but still has a lot of areas to improve upon.

“Pass mark in the sense that it was transparent enough and very prompt. Within 30 days it was able to organise the supplementary elections.

“In areas where there were some challenges, they did not result from institutional inadequacies, but through manipulation by one or two persons.

“Where you have a mistake committed, whether deliberately or otherwise by an individual, that should not be extended to the institution.

“I want to say without any fear of contradiction that INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is doing well,’’ he said.

On his view about the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, Doguwa said that as a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) he would wait for the decision of the party.

Chief Billy Osawaru (APC), member-elect, Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency in Edo, described his election as free, fair and credible.

Osawaru promised to deliver dividends of democracy to his constituency.

“The people deserve to enjoy the dividends of democracy which I am bringing on board. Those are not just promises; I will do everything within my ability to make sure my people enjoy everything that is due to them.

“Before now, we have a representative who did very well. I am going to take a cue from him and I am still going to try as much as possible to bring in my own expertise,’’ he said.

Bashir Gorau (PDP) member-elect, Gada-Goronyo federal constituency, Sokoto, described his victory as a tough battle against a ranking lawmaker who had been in the House for 16 years.

The 33-year-old member-elect promised to contribute to enactment of laws that would boost youth development.

“I am just 33 years old. We have a lot of passion for young people across the country. As an activist, I travel across Nigeria and I know virtually the problems of the Nigerian youth.

“We are going to work to ensure that things get better for Nigerian youths,’’ Gorau said.

Ibrahim Idris, (APC) Senator-elect, Zamfara Central Senatorial District, said though there were challenges, he appreciated God and his people for the victory.

Idris expressed determination to use his mandate judiciously to deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituency and to Nigeria.

Muhammad Shehu (NNPP), member-elect, Fagge Federal Constituency, Kano State, described his victory as a long journey.

Shehu pledged to contribute to the enactment of laws that would enhance Nigeria’s development.

Sulaiman Gumi, (PDP) member-elect, Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, Zamfara, said INEC should be commended in spite of perceived gaps in the 2023 general elections.

“There are a lot of gaps here and there, but I think overall, INEC did well. It should learn from mistakes made at the 2023 elections and correct them in the future,’’ he said.

Gumi said those arrested for electoral violence and malpractices should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Alli Hakeem

2023 elections: Democracy and elections in Nigeria

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2023 elections: Democracy and elections in Nigeria

A news analysis by Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Democracy is said to be a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

Many democracies that transition into the 21st face challenges in their path of successful consolidation including economy, unemployment, inequality in income and wealth and inflation.

Many challenges facing democracies in Africa and Nigeria can be attributed to the lack of proper enlightenment of citizens to the tenets of democracy and rule of law. The winner is supposed to take all while the loser is expected to resist.

In spite of these challenges to democracy, a system is taking shape in Nigeria to strengthen democracy. The National Peace Committee comprising statesmen and elders have taken it on themselves to forestall after election violence and commit candidates to peace before, during and after elections.

The accord was meant to bind political parties, candidates and their supporters to resort to the constitution if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the elections.

Similarly, local and international observers including the West African Elders Forum, Commonwealth Observer Group and others have made significant contribution towards enshrining democratic ethos in Nigeria. These election monitors have been a part of the various election processes in the country since the return of democratic rule in 1999.

After the Feb. 25 presidential and national assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Bola Tinubu as the winner with 8,794,736 of the over 24 million votes cast.

The two opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the Labour Party (LP) have gone to court to challenge the result. This is the most expected decision that various monitors and observers envisaged. For democracies to thrive, the citizens must imbibe this culture exploring the option of the constitution to resolve issues.

On the outcome of the election, an editorial by Premium Times, states that while some logistics challenges, malpractices and violence in some locations undermined the election, it is excessive and inaccurate to describe the exercise as totally flawed or as the worst in Nigeria’s history, as some want the world to believe. If anything, the election demonstrated appreciable progress in the nation’s electoral process, in comparison to past ones.

In a write up in the Vanguard, Magnus Onyibe, a former commissioner in Delta state, wrote stated that the shortcoming of the 2023 election has laid bare that not enough critical thinking went into organizing the event which is supposed to be so epochal and consequential that it should not have been treated with such levity.

‘’For instance, the election is setting our country back by about N355 billion that was appropriated for INEC to conduct the election. That is just the direct cost of tax payers’ money. When the down time of locking down the country on election days twice are factored in, the cost burden on an economy which is tottering on the brinks of collapse would be much higher.

Similarly, the Washington Post editorial ‘’Nigeria points the way toward democracy in a region in which it is scarce’’, while calling on INEC to assess what went wrong in the 2023 elections, noted that the March 28 governorships and state assembly elections seemed to be much better managed in spite of ‘’some scattered report of violence’’.

It stated that a flawed election in Nigeria can set a standard in a part of Africa where staging a coup is more common than canvassing for votes, adding that ‘’an election in Nigeria won’t turn Africa into a democratic utopia, but it can point the way to a different path’’.

On their observation of the Feb. 25 presidential and national assembly election, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) gave insights on the way forward.

While the forum notes that some political parties and concerned citizens have raised procedural questions and allegations of infractions of the electoral law in the process of collation of results, it called on all aggrieved parties to document and laid their claims to INEC, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022.

 ‘’The Mission notes the imperative of retaining the confidence of Nigerians in the on-going electoral process and, therefore, urges the INEC to thoroughly investigate those concerns and comply with the electoral law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the process of collating the election results.

‘’As former leaders who are committed to peace and stability in our sub-region, we have begun a round of consultations with some of the presidential candidates and other key stakeholders, taking to them our message of hope, understanding and peace.

Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former Nigeria president, also reflected on effective and transparent leadership in the country at a function recently in his home state of Bayelsa.

 “As a leader in the country who had the privilege of serving at the state and national level, I can only advise that politics is not about that you must be there. If God wants you to be there, you will be there. If it is not yet your turn to be there, you will not be there.

“So, I advise people who are interested in these offices and their supporters to conduct themselves very well. They want to serve us, not themselves.

“If you want to serve us as people, then you must be humble, and you will not kill us before you serve us. So, people must conduct themselves peacefully, and if God wants them to win their elections, they will win their elections.”

**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

***This article is with support from Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), a pro-peace and good governance initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting democratic principles as a prerequisite for peace and prosperity in Africa.

CODE expresses concern over ethnic profiling in 2023 general elections

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By Angela Atabo

Connected Development (CODE),a civil society organisation, has expressed concern over ethnic profiling of some groups in the 2023 General Elections and urged Nigerians to embrace unity in nation’s interest.

Chief Executive of CODE, Hamzat Lawal, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference to present the organisation’s findings on the 2023 General elections.

Lawal said that CODE and its 20,000 observers were at the forefront of the poll and have followed the process religiously with the deployment of CODE’s Uzabe platform.

“We speak against the ethnic profiling that took place in most parts of the country and how we must shun these things as a country.

“We must see ourselves as humans; yes, each and every one of us is from a village or a community but Nigeria as a whole has united us.

“We cannot target people because of their choice, their language or because of the region that they come from.

“If we continue this way,it will consume each and every one of us, so we hope that our political, traditional and religious leaders can douse the tension and call people to order,” he said.

Lawal said there was need for Nigerians to be united and remain peaceful.

He said that CODE’s observations revealed that in spite of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC’s) acclaimed readiness to host the presidential election on Feb.25 it fell shot of expectations in terms of logistics.

He however, commended the commission for correcting the shortfall during the governorship election as polls started very early in more than 70 per cent polling units monitored across the country.

He said that there were some critical incidences that that undermined the success of the governorship and State Assembly elections.

Lawal listed electoral violence ,ballot box snatching ,attacks on observers and journalists ,low voter turnout, ethnic profiling among others.

He also expressed disappointment at the way some security agencies reacted to the issue of electoral violence, adding that some of them seemed to have been compromised.

He said that although the 2022 Electoral Act was a good amendment, it failed to deliver on the electoral system due to human interference.

He said that the 10th National Assembly would have a critical role to play in the amendment of the Electoral Act, particularly on how to unbundle INEC as an institution.

“This is because in our democracy and our politics, election is the first step and if we get it wrong, then our democracy will be in shambles and Nigerian people will not enjoy the dividends.

“In unbundling INEC as an institution, first ,we will need to look at how the National Chairman of INEC,the National Commissioners emerge and most importantly, how to Resident Electoral Commissioners emerge and who are they answerable to.

“This is because today, what we have seen is that the institution as a whole and the people there have been compromised, some are placeholders for corrupt politicians.’’

Lawal said that there was need to unbundle INEC and make it truly independent without outside interference with its duties.

He also stressed the need for the commission to step up its result collation process.

“ I think that as we reform the institution and provide reform on the Electoral Act for every result that would be uploaded should have the signature of every party agent,’’he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Inuwa Ali-Baba
 

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